BYU’s Mark Pope Pays Tribute To Georgetown Legend John Thompson
Feb 18, 2021, 7:25 PM | Updated: 7:32 pm
BYU Basketball head coach Mark Pope paid tribute to Georgetown icon John Thompson. (Photos courtesy of Getty Images)
(Photos courtesy of Getty Images)
PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball head coach Mark Pope took part in a great tribute for Georgetown icon John Thompson.
Mark Pope sporting a towel in honor of the late great John Thompson tonight.
The @NABC1927 created the honor for the former Georgetown coach.#BYU #BYUHoops pic.twitter.com/utM9KtLgup
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 19, 2021
During BYU’s game against the Pacific Tigers, Pope was seen on his bench sporting a towel over his right shoulder. A staple for the legendary Thompson, who roamed the Georgetown sidelines for 28 seasons and led the Hoyas to a National Championship in 1984.
Best thing happening in college basketball this week: you’ll see coaches across the sport wearing this terrific, clean John Thompson Jr. towel in honor of the Hall-of-Famer and in coordination with the NABC’s initiative on Racial Reconciliation. Will make for a great tribute. pic.twitter.com/iOfIelmYXG
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) February 15, 2021
According to reports, Thompson passed away on August 30th at his home in Virginia due to multiple health problems.
It's about more than basketball
Learn how coaches are honoring the life and legacy of the late John Thompson this week.
➡️ https://t.co/TW8Ws7dfQD pic.twitter.com/Utu92EbgWi
— NABC (@NABC1927) February 18, 2021
Many coaches in college basketball have worn the towel over the shoulder this month as part of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) tribute to Thompson.
Few figures in basketball history have impacted the game like the late John Thompson Jr. Big John built Georgetown into a national power and a transcendent brand on the court. Off the court, he was a tireless advocate for diversity and equal opportunity for coaches and student-athletes alike. His legacy will never be forgotten.In light of his impact on our game and society, the NABC Committee on Racial Reconciliation is encouraging coaches to pay tribute to Big John the week of February 15-21 by wearing a commemorative towel over the shoulder on the sidelines – mirroring his signature look. The commemorative towel is being sent to every NABC member head coach in NCAA Divisions I, II and III and the NAIA.
